Ruth Becher

On Sunday, December 28, 2025, Ruth Becher peacefully left her earthly home of 99 years with her loved ones by her side, to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Ruth was born in Collbran, Colorado to Milton S. and Ruth Long Brisbin. During her growing-up years, she attended a small school in Mac, Colorado, with her brothers and sisters. She traveled with her family and resided in various places while she was growing up, one of them being in California where her father worked in the shipyards during WWII. Ruth held her first job in Long Beach, CA. It just so happens she was able to experience seeing The Howard Hughes famous wooden airplane nicknamed the "Spruce Goose" on its one and only short flight of 26 seconds, 1 mile, and about 70 ft. high. Her family eventually settled in the Montezuma Valley where Ruth graduated from Dolores High School. After graduation, because of the war, she was granted an emergency teacher's certificate to teach the Rangers' children at Mesa Verde.

Education was very important to Ruth. She always said, "Never stop learning." Holding true to her convictions, after her Mesa Verde teaching experience, she attended Western State in Gunnison, CO. Several years later, she held kindergarten classes for Tom and Leslie when they were of age, as there was no kindergarten offered during those years. She started the Physical Education Program at Dolores Elementary and helped teach grade school in Cortez for a few years.

Reading two or three books at a time was not unusual as she was an avid reader. She read a lot about history and could not only tell you about it, but she also lived and witnessed a lot of it. Several years later she went back to school in Norman, Oklahoma and studied Liberal Arts. Continuing with her education, she obtained her salesman and broker's license in real estate. She worked in the area selling real estate for several years.

At the age of 57, she was diagnosed with diabetes. Along with following her doctor's advice, she continually educated herself by taking classes and reading many articles on how to manage her diabetes. As a result, she successfully managed her diabetes well into her 90s.

Traveling was another passion of Ruth's. As a family, many vacations were enjoyed including a memorable one to Alaska. Even after her husband passed away in 1995, she continued traveling for several years.

She was a member of the Methodist Church in Dolores, where she taught Sunday school, took Bible study classes, and served on several church committees. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star.

As Ruth progressed in age, her eyesight was failing more and more. As a result, she was unable to continue with her love of reading and playing bridge.

She was preceded in death by her parents, six siblings, and her husband Tom of 47 years. She is survived by her children, Tom Becher Jr. of Dolores, Dee Becher of Colorado Springs, and Leslie Bryan (Richard) of Cahone; five grandchildren: Diana Chavez, Laremie Bryan, Becky Short, Wendy Williams, and Michael Becher; 11 great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Dolores Community Center on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Contributions may be made in her memory to Hospice of Montezuma County.